Ira "Ralph" Telford Obituary (1934 - 2021)

Ira Ralph Telford, 87, was holding hands with his beloved wife Tina when he passed peacefully from this life and into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, November 21, 2021, in Titusville, Florida. He and Tina married March 31, 1994, on the eve of both of their retirements from teaching. Their 27 years together were filled with family, friends, joy, and great service. Their multiple missions on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began with a Church Educational System (CES) mission in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; two missions to the island of Kosrae in the South Pacific; and two temple missions in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After their CES mission they relocated from Ogden to Jupiter, Florida, where they lived for nearly 20 years. They later combined households in Titusville with Tina's daughter and son-in-law, Ravonne and Ian Ross. Ralph was active, alert and in good spirits until the end. He focused on the joys in his life and in trying to do good for others. He and Tina had a wonderful marriage, traveling widely, visiting their children and grandchildren, and serving others. In his church-life Ralph served in many callings including Bishop, High Council, and Gospel Doctrine Teacher. He served a full-time mission in Japan for 3 1/2 years, from 1953 to 1957. Ralph was born in Idaho Falls on June 28, 1934. He obtained a Master's degree, after completing studies at BYU and Stanford University. He taught Political Science and History at Weber State University in Ogden for twenty years, eventually moving to Western Wyoming Community College and retiring in 1996. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Rockwood Telford and Thelma (Shrives) Telford and his brother Larry. He is survived by his sister, Martha, his brother Kent, and his wife, Tina Johanna (Beuk) Telford, and Tina's children, Art Brothers (Carolee), Ravonne Ross (Ian), and Ken Brothers (Jennifer). He previously was married to Karen Turpin, and had three daughters, Denise Harper, Kimberly Telford (died 2020), and Valerie Anderson (Kevin). Funeral Services will be at 11am on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. with a viewing prior from 10 to 10:45 am. The service will be live streamed on Ralphs obituary page at www.myers-mortuary.com. Interment will be at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.